Alpharetta has had first reading of an ordinance that would allow earlier Sunday sales of alcohol by restaurants and hotels, if voters approve in a November referendum. File photo: Emma Janzen/American-Statesman

Alpharetta advances Sunday alcohol, with a twist

The Alpharetta City Council has joined its counterparts across metro Atlanta, taking up an ordinance allowing earlier Sunday sales of alcohol by the drink if voters approve in a Nov. 6 referendum – except for the outside consumption of alcohol.

Following up prior action that put the referendum on the November ballot, the council had first reading of a measure that would allow – if voters consent – alcohol serving at restaurants and hotels as early as 11 a.m. Sunday, compared with 12:30 p.m. currently.

The ordinance, however, also says that notwithstanding codes that allow the outside consumption of alcohol in the downtown district and certain mixed-use developments, “such sales and outside consumption are strictly prohibited on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.”

The city’s action follows the Legislature’s passage this spring of Senate Bill 17, the so-called Sunday Brunch or Mimosa Law, allowing local governments to set earlier serving hours on Sunday if voters approve.

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